How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business

By Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfied- Parr

Virtual Assistants are new to the business world. One of the professions made possible by the web, they are a growing segment of resources for the small and solo business owner. This book gives anyone who thinks they want to be a virtual assistant, the opportunity to get the basics down.  The section on ‘How to Know if you are Cut out to be a VA” is one of the most important sections for anyone to read. This book gives you the good and the bad to think about. One thing they left out is do you like people? Having personally gone through the process of hiring a VA (I have a great one now, if you want her number, contact me) I learned that many of the VA’s did not appear to like people, much less want to serve them. I think they should have added that in. They cover what you need, business plans and how specialty industries require specialty services. This is a great section; it really helps a new VA get on track with their different clients.

I am a little surprised that they list a typewriter and a rolodex as things you need. I wonder if anyone under 30 even knows what a rolodex is. There are some tips about working from home and working the VA business part time.  It’s important to learn balance and how to get it all done. They list organizations you can join and where to get ongoing education. While they do not specifically note a successful business revenue model to use, if you take a cue from this book, there is a lot of money in the education of VA’s.  After all, you can only work so many hours a day.

This book is a California 8!

Random rules for ideas worth spreading
By Seth Godin
with commentary by Dr Wright

If you’ve got an idea worth spreading, I hope you’ll consider this random assortment of rules. Like all rules, some are made to be broken, but still…

You can name your idea anything you like, but a google-friendly name is always better than one that isn’t.

Everyone loves that I have the Wright Place- the flaw? It doesnt tell you what I do, so I use the tag line: Telling Your Entrepreneur Story
Don’t plan on appearing on a reality show as the best way to launch your idea. (more…)

Six Secrets of Sales Magnets

By Laura Posey and Will Turner

This book is not something you should overlook if you are in sales. The authors are sales trainers, this book is a good introduction to their services. The great sales people are always looking for ways to get better.  Their goal is to help you close 7 out of 10 prospects. They tell the story of an average day in the life of the Average salesman, Professional salesman and the Magnetic salesman.  Curiously, while the Magnetic salesperson plays golf and relaxes, the other two work a lot harder to get any money. The secrets of what they do are revealed, the HOW part is not revealed. I do like their concept on Vendorville.  Because there is no HOW TO in this book, I assume you can get the details on how to do this in the courses they offer. They mention cold calling in reference to the Average sales person and the Professional salesperson, but not with the Magnetic salesperson. Nice story and nice book, you can clearly see which category you are in. This  is a useful start to making positive change.

This book is a California 6

For more info: DancingElephants.net